I believe that grief is a complex and non-linear process, requiring time, courage, and energy. I grant myself the permission to grief in my own way.

Grief often feels like an endless tunnel with no light, but caring for yourself can gently illuminate the path ahead. It's a proclamation that even in the darkest times, we dare to believe in a future that holds restoration and renewed joy. Hope is the ember that survives even the fiercest storm, and self-care is the gentle breath that fans it into a flame.

In the midst of heartache and despair, grief can unexpectedly become a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation. As a grief counselor and transformational coach, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable resilience that individuals can exhibit in the face of loss.

Losing a sibling is an immense and deeply personal loss. As we navigate the turbulent waters of grief, it is crucial to extend compassion and understanding to ourselves and those around us. Embracing support, cherishing memories, and prioritizing self-care can provide solace and help us move forward with resilience. Although the pain may never fully subside, by honouring our siblings' legacies and finding meaning in our lives, we can embark on a journey of healing and growth while keeping their memory alive in our hearts.

Hope is an attitude, a mindset that allows a grounded and optimistic outlook, even in the most challenging circumstances. Thus it is within times of adversity when we learn how to hope, not in times of ease. It is within these challenges that we believe we have the power to change our lives. Our hope is not a fixed entity but has degrees and can be activated and cultivated.

This letter to grief was the final assignment written by a bereaved daughter who cared for her mother.

There are many symptoms of grief that can be overwhelming. Here is a list of ways to gain control and cope with your expression of grief.

Why does grief and anxiety go together? Since anxiety is a stress response and grief is certainly a stress, it makes sense that they can go together. Your loss may be recent or many years ago, but anxiety can become an expression of grief that you may not realize.

You may begin to experience anniversary grief response as you approach the upcoming date. The following list may be some of the signs you are experiencing an anniversary grief response: increased feelings of sadness, loss, depression, loneliness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability or anger, as well as physical symptoms, such as sleeplessness, lack of an appetite, difficulty concentrating or an increase in distressing memories, among other things. But you have made it through a full year and if you allow it, hope for the future can be also felt. 

Year 2 of grief is often called the “lonely year”. Many people think that once surviving the first year, and yes, it does feel like you are just hanging by your fingernails, the rest will be easy. Often I hear “I feel like I’m starting all over again” .You aren’t. This is a good time to rejoin a support group or a grief retreat.

How long does grief last? Will I always feel out of control? What is the normal stages of grief?

During the first year, there will begin to be spaces between acute grief and then a special day or holiday looms in the future and we get dragged or pushed down the grief pit again. Each of these markers represents a general overview and carries with it the challenges of the initial year.

Everything reminds me of my loss. Yes, that’s the grief pain of secondary losses caused by the death, divorce, break up. It’s the subtle little events of everyday life that repeatedly pokes and pushes triggers of the emotional loss. Secondary losses are the changes or absence of routines, conversations, or experiences once my person (or pet) is there no longer. The loss is felt again and again. It feels like the grief is sneaking up and blindsiding me all the time, especially in those first months and year.